Landscapes of the Canadian Maritimes (Summer 2019)

tour code: ACME

Global Coach Tours»Insight Vacations»
North America

A mix of colourful harbours and sweeping coastlines, this nautical trip allows you to recharge by the sea as you take in some of Canada's iconic maritime history. From learning about the tradition of fabric milling in Baddeck to discovering the picturesque village of Peggy's Cove, you'll have plenty of time to relax and take in the sea air, as you make your way through Canada’s Eastern Maritime provinces.

Arrive in Halifax. A mix of sea breezes and cultural charms, you’ve arrived in your quintessential maritime destination. You’ll be picked up from Halifax International Airport and taken to your downtown hotel. You can relax next to the waterfront before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers at 18:00, for a Welcome Dinner with drinks.(Dinner with Wine)

Accommodation : The Westin Nova Scotian, Halifax.

Day 2 : Historic Lunenburg and Peggy's Cove.

Get your cameras ready for a day of culture and nautical scenes, as you journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenburg. Here you’ll experience one of the best surviving examples of a planned British Colonial settlement in North America, before meeting a Local Expert for a walking tour and visit to the brightly painted Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. Hear interesting tales of the sea and the fishing industry's impact on the region before stopping off in picturesque Peggy’s Cove. Situated on the rocky cliffs of St Margaret’s Bay, this famous fishing village offers scenic photo opportunities. You'll end the day by heading back to Halifax for the evening.(Breakfast)

Accommodation : The Westin Nova Scotian, Halifax.

Day 3 : Sightseeing and Relaxation in Halifax.

Delve into Halifax’s nautical history at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, where your Local Expert will engage you in stories of key historic events, including the Halifax Explosion and the tragic sinking of the Titanic in 1912. Join a Local Expert for an informative exploration of eclectic Halifax. Once here you’ll visit Fairview cemetery, where over one hundred of the Titanic's victims were laid to rest, before heading to the Public Gardens and the iconic harbour front. Stop at the impressive Halifax Citadel, a Victorian-era fortress, before enjoying a free afternoon. Whether you fancy looking into the city’s art scene or its culinary offerings, just make sure you save enough room for a Highlight Dinner of local seafood at the superb restaurant, The Five Fishermen, in one of Halifax's historic buildings.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

Day 4 : Cape Breton Island and Blooming Baddeck.

Journey to the town of Truro where you’ll visit the Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Center to learn about Mi'kmaq heritage and Glooscap legends. The Mi'kmaq are the indigenous people of Mi'kma'ki, Nova Scotia, and their presence is an essential part of the region's past. Learn a few words of the Mi'kmaq language and view intricate artefacts, before continuing on to Cape Breton Island. Home to Gaelic traditions, this beautiful island is packed with Celtic music, pubs and influence. In Baddeck, embark on a picturesque boat cruise across Bras d'Or Lake (weather permitting). In the evening, experience warm hospitality and Cape Breton-style home cooking at your waterfront hotel. This features tempting seafood favourites and hearty dishes that are sure to satisfy.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

Accommodation : Inverary Resort, Baddeck.

Day 5 : The Natural Beauty of the Cabot Trail.

Head back to school as you immerse yourself in a unique experience at The Gaelic College, devoted to the study and preservation of the Gaelic and Celtic cultures. Learn about the tradition of fabric milling and see a kilt-making demonstration in action. Enjoy a relaxing drive along the Cabot Trail, one of the world’s most scenic routes. Keep an eye out for moose and bald eagles, as you travel past Breton Highlands National Park. Continue your day with an evening of traditional music and song at the Celtic Evening of Smiles, where you'll enjoy a night of Acadian hospitality and entertainment.(Breakfast / Lunch)

Accommodation : Inverary Resort, Baddeck.

Day 6 : Baddeck and Charlottetown.

In the morning, embark on an insightful visit to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, where you can trace the roots of the modern smartphone to the man himself. Led by a guide, you’ll uncover Alexander Graham and Mabel Bell’s story through artefacts and photographs from their time together. Cross the Northumberland Strait to magical Prince Edward Island and quaint Charlottetown, where you’ll stay the next three nights.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

Accommodation : Delta Prince Edward, Charlottetown.

Day 7 : Charlottetown Sightseeing.

Have your cameras at the ready for a day of sightseeing. Discover picturesque Prince Edward Island with a Local Expert before heading on to Cavendish. Here you’ll visit the Green Gables House, the fabled home that provided inspiration for L.M. Montgomery's children's classic, 'Anne of Green Gables.' Return to Charlottetown, where the rest of the day is at leisure, so whether you fancy heading to one of the city’s independent coffee shops or a walk along the harbour, the choice is yours.(Breakfast)

Day 8 : Leisure Time in Charlottetown.

Today is your day to explore or relax and appreciate the delightful city that is Charlottetown. Your Travel Director will be able to advise you on places to eat, where to go and sights to see. From exploring Point Prim Lighthouse, Prince Edward Island's oldest lighthouse, to Victoria Park, one of Charlottetown's most beautiful open spaces, make the most of your last day here.(Breakfast)

Day 9 : The Tides of Hopewell Rocks.

Journey to New Brunswick where you will cruise the waters of Shediac Bay onboard a lobster boat (weather permitting) and get a glimpse into the fascinating world of these sea creatures while feasting on a Highlight Lunch with wine. Options include lobster, chicken or veggie entrée. Travel on to Hopewell Rocks on the shores of the bay before arriving in the pretty port city of Saint John, where you'll be surrounded by rugged cliff tops, coves and natural beauty.(Breakfast / Lunch with Wine)

Accommodation : Hilton Saint John.

Day 10 : Loyalist Saint John to Digby.

Explore Saint John's vibrant past on a morning tour through the charming streets and along the beautiful waterfront, with your Travel Director. Board a ferry bound for Saint John's sister community of Digby, a harbour town in southwestern Nova Scotia. Once here, you’ll head to the Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa, a top address with beautiful views overlooking the Bay of Fundy.(Breakfast)

Accommodation : Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa.

Day 11 : Delightful Digby and Annapolis Royal.

Begin your day by embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime whale watching cruise (weather permitting) on the Bay of Fundy, where you’ll learn about these majestic creatures and potentially spot one. Move on to the historic town of Annapolis Royal, the former capital of Acadia and Nova Scotia. Take a stroll with a costumed interpreter, who will guide you through the centuries of one of Canada’s oldest thoroughfares and along the boardwalk, bordering the historic Annapolis River. Discover a cultural mosaic of history in this former capital of Acadia and Nova Scotia, before returning to your spa resort in Digby. In the evening, meet a former scallop fisherman for a culinary demonstration and Celebration Dinner featuring the highly prized seafood.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

Accommodation : Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa.

Day 12 : Farewell Halifax.

It’s time to wave goodbye to Halifax and your fellow travellers as your trip comes to an end. Stops will be made at Halifax International Airport and The Westin Nova Scotian for guests wishing to extend their stay. Airport arrival will be at 12:00.(Breakfast)